Question

The client who is pregnant asks the nurse how she can protect her baby from getting HIV from her blood. Which answer is correct? A. There is no way to prevent the spread of the disease from mother to baby. B. The doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to you during pregnancy to ensure that the disease is not spread to your infant. C. An antiviral called zidovudine (AZT) will be prescribed to you during pregnancy and to the infant after birth to decrease the chances of the infant contracting the illness. D. A drug called TMC-114 darunavir (Prezista) can be used to prevent the transmission of the illness across the placenta.

Short answer

Answer: An antiviral called zidovudine (AZT) will be prescribed to the pregnant client during pregnancy and to the infant after birth to decrease the chances of the infant contracting HIV.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the situation

The exercise presents a pregnant client who wants to know how to protect her baby from getting HIV from her blood. We have to choose the correct answer. Step 2: Evaluating the options

Assess each answer

A. There is no way to prevent the spread of the disease from mother to baby: This answer is incorrect, as there are methods to prevent or significantly reduce the transmission risk. B. The doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to you during pregnancy to ensure that the disease is not spread to your infant: This answer is also incorrect because antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections like HIV. C. An antiviral called zidovudine (AZT) will be prescribed to you during pregnancy and to the infant after birth to decrease the chances of the infant contracting the illness: This answer seems correct as zidovudine (AZT) is an antiviral drug proven to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. D. A drug called TMC-114 darunavir (Prezista) can be used to prevent the transmission of the illness across the placenta: Although darunavir (Prezista) is a drug used to treat HIV, it is not specifically targeted to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Hence, this answer is less accurate than option C. Step 3: Choosing the correct answer

Select the correct option

Based on the evaluation, the correct answer is C. An antiviral called zidovudine (AZT) will be prescribed to the pregnant client during pregnancy and to the infant after birth to decrease the chances of the infant contracting HIV.

Key concepts

pregnancy and HIV

When a pregnant person is diagnosed with HIV, special care is needed to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby. It's important to understand that HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Without proper treatment, it can be transmitted from the mother to the baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
This kind of transmission can occur because the virus is present in the mother's blood and other bodily fluids, and can cross the placenta. However, thanks to modern medicine, there are effective strategies to minimize this risk. When managed correctly, the likelihood of a mother transmitting HIV to her baby can be significantly reduced to 1% or less.

• Early testing for HIV during pregnancy is crucial.
• Adherence to healthcare providers' recommendations is essential.
• Regular prenatal care visits help monitor the mother and baby's health.

With these steps, a person living with HIV can have a healthy pregnancy and delivery, along with a healthy baby free from the virus.

antiviral medication

One of the key tools in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV is antiviral medication. Antiviral drugs help control the virus in the mother's body, reducing its presence and, thus, the risk of transmission to the baby.
Zidovudine (AZT) is an example of an antiviral medication commonly used for this purpose. This medication is administered to the mother during pregnancy and labor, and to the infant for a short period after birth. It works by interfering with the virus's ability to replicate in the body, leading to a lower viral load.

• Zidovudine (AZT) is often part of a combination of medications to enhance its effectiveness.
• Adherence to the prescribed antiviral regimen is critical for success.
• Side effects may occur, but they are generally manageable under medical supervision.

Antiviral therapy has transformed HIV from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition, especially when detected and treated early.

mother-to-child transmission prevention

Preventing HIV transmission from mother to child requires a comprehensive approach combining several strategies. Early and regular prenatal care is the cornerstone of these prevention efforts. By working closely with healthcare providers, a pregnant person can significantly decrease the risk of transmitting HIV to their child.
In addition to antiviral medications like zidovudine (AZT), the following measures are essential:

• Regular monitoring of viral load and immune function to adjust treatment as needed.
• Considering a cesarean delivery if the viral load is not well-controlled.
• Complete avoidance of breastfeeding if there are safer alternatives, like formula feeding.

Through these efforts, mother-to-child transmission of HIV has been drastically reduced. Educating expectant mothers about their options and ensuring access to healthcare resources is vital for the continued success of these prevention strategies.